Aston Villa vs Manchester United preview: Special performance required to bounce back

Aston Villa host Manchester United in the Premier League at 2pm on Sunday and the two teams go into the game in incredibly contrasting situations.

While Villa and Unai Emery come into the game off the back of a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, United manager Erik ten Hag is doing his utmost to keep his job after a dreadful start to the season.

United threw away a two-goal lead away to FC Porto on Thursday night, only to concede three times and draw the game 3-3. A stoppage-time equaliser from Harry Maguire secured a point for 10-man United, who had Bruno Fernandes sent off for a second yellow card towards the end of the match.

In the league, United are positioned 13th with a negative goal difference. We are winless in the last four matches across all competitions. A result is needed this weekend or Ten Hag will be walking a tightrope during the October international break.

Villa missed the chance to go joint-top last weekend when they drew 2-2 at Ipswich Town, but they’ve won their last two league games at Villa Park and will go into this weekend’s clash as favourites.

How to watch Villa vs United

In the UK, the game will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 1pm – an hour prior to kick-off.

Subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app.

Team news

Villa suffered two injuries against Bayern in their midweek win, with Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana both doubts to take on United.

They’re also likely to be without Matty Cash.

Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are listed as long-term absentees.

As for United, Bruno Fernandes is available after having his red card against Tottenham overturned.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia won’t return until after the international break.

Prediction

It will take something special for United to get their 107th win over Aston Villa on Saturday. Emery’s side are coasting at the moment and will be looking forward to getting their league form back on track after drawing against Ipswich.

Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester United

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